Key Points for Bottle Feeding

World Health Organization recommends that babies should be exclusively breastfed

in the first six months. At about six months old, babies should be given nutritious
Guide to Bottle Feeding
solid foods and continue breastfeeding up to the age of two years or above. If
parents cannot or have chosen not to breastfeed their baby, feeding the baby with How to prepare infant formula and
infant formula is the only alternative during their first few months.
feed your baby safely
Choosing the Infant Formula
o Infant formula (“Stage 1 formula”) is suitable for newborns and babies below 12
months of age.
o Follow-on formula (“Stage 2 formula”) is not suitable for infants below 6 months
of age. Switching to follow-on formula is not necessary after 6 months old.

Preparing the Infant Formula Feed

o Feeding bottles, teats and other equipment must be cleaned and sterilised.
o Measure the amount of water and powdered infant formula accurately according
to the instructions on the package when making up the feed.
o Put the water in the bottle before adding the powdered infant formula. The
temperature of water must be at 70°C or above.
o Offer freshly prepared infant formula feeds to babies. The formula feed should
be consumed within 2 hours after being prepared.

Feeding the baby

o Test the milk temperature.
o Support the baby in a slightly upright posture and hold him during feeding.
o Feed the baby according to his feeding cues. Do not force him to feed.
o Discard any left-over milk.

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Leaflet content will be updated from time to time. Please refer to the website of
Family Health Service, Department of Health, for the latest information.

FHS-N2A (Rev Dec 2019)

Printed by the Government Logistics Department
P.1 P.2

Considerations for feeding

baby with infant formula
Content
If for some reason, parents cannot breastfeed or have decided not to give their baby
What is infant formula? P.3
breastmilk, they can only give him infant formula in his first few months of life.
Parents should understand that once the baby is fed with infant formula, the mother’s
breast will produce less breastmilk. Mother’s intention to breastfeed may be weakened
How to choose a suitable infant formula? P.3
too.
Infant formula is costly. Parents may have to spend a considerable amount of
What equipment is needed for bottle feeding? P.6
money on the infant formula in the first year (for example, a can of 900 gram infant
formula costs $250 and a baby consumes 3 to 4 cans a month. That would cost the How to choose feeding bottles and teats? P.7
parents $9,000 to $12,000 in the first year).
Infant formula is available in two forms: the commercially sterile ready-to-feed How to clean, sterilise and store feeding equipment? P.8
liquid formula and powdered infant formula. Powdered infant formula is not a sterile
product. Safe preparation of formula milk and use of properly sterilised feeding equipment
is essential to protect the baby from the risk of getting infection.
How to prepare an infant formula feed safely? P.11

How to store a prepared infant formula feed? P.14

Breastmilk is more than the baby’s How to rewarm a feed? P.14

natural food…
When should I feed my baby? P.16
Breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrients for baby’s growth and development. It
also contains antibodies and living immune cells from the mother, enzymes, and How to feed the baby? P.17
other valuable substances that cannot be obtained from infant formula. These
ingredients enhance the baby’s immunity and reduce the chance of being admitted
How to burp the baby? P.19
to hospital because of chest infection or diarrhea. Breastmilk also helps the
digestion and absorption of nutrients.
What should I do if the baby spits up after feeding? P.19
Breastfeeding is convenient, time-saving, money-saving and environmental
friendly. It enhances bonding between the mother and the baby, and makes the
baby feel safe. Breastfeeding benefits mothers too. Breastfeeding mothers have
How much milk does a baby need in a day? P.20
less chance of anaemia and heavy bleeding after delivery. It burns calories and
helps the uterus return to normal size, so breastfeeding mothers get back in Is my baby getting enough to eat? P.21
shape more quickly. Breastfeeding also protects mothers from ovarian and
breast cancer.
P.1 P.2

Considerations for feeding

baby with infant formula
Content
If for some reason, parents cannot breastfeed or have decided not to give their baby
What is infant formula? P.3
breastmilk, they can only give him infant formula in his first few months of life.
Parents should understand that once the baby is fed with infant formula, the mother’s
breast will produce less breastmilk. Mother’s intention to breastfeed may be weakened
How to choose a suitable infant formula? P.3
too.
Infant formula is costly. Parents may have to spend a considerable amount of
What equipment is needed for bottle feeding? P.6
money on the infant formula in the first year (for example, a can of 900 gram infant
formula costs $250 and a baby consumes 3 to 4 cans a month. That would cost the How to choose feeding bottles and teats? P.7
parents $9,000 to $12,000 in the first year).
Infant formula is available in two forms: the commercially sterile ready-to-feed How to clean, sterilise and store feeding equipment? P.8
liquid formula and powdered infant formula. Powdered infant formula is not a sterile
product. Safe preparation of formula milk and use of properly sterilised feeding equipment
is essential to protect the baby from the risk of getting infection.
How to prepare an infant formula feed safely? P.11

How to store a prepared infant formula feed? P.14

Breastmilk is more than the baby’s How to rewarm a feed? P.14

natural food…
When should I feed my baby? P.16
Breastmilk is the ideal source of nutrients for baby’s growth and development. It
also contains antibodies and living immune cells from the mother, enzymes, and How to feed the baby? P.17
other valuable substances that cannot be obtained from infant formula. These
ingredients enhance the baby’s immunity and reduce the chance of being admitted
How to burp the baby? P.19
to hospital because of chest infection or diarrhea. Breastmilk also helps the
digestion and absorption of nutrients.
What should I do if the baby spits up after feeding? P.19
Breastfeeding is convenient, time-saving, money-saving and environmental
friendly. It enhances bonding between the mother and the baby, and makes the
baby feel safe. Breastfeeding benefits mothers too. Breastfeeding mothers have
How much milk does a baby need in a day? P.20
less chance of anaemia and heavy bleeding after delivery. It burns calories and
helps the uterus return to normal size, so breastfeeding mothers get back in Is my baby getting enough to eat? P.21
shape more quickly. Breastfeeding also protects mothers from ovarian and
breast cancer.
P.3 P.4

What is infant formula? Q. Is there any infant formula that reduces

Most of the infant formulae are made from cow’s milk that has been treated to
the baby’s risk of getting allergy?
make it suitable for babies. There are also infant formulae made from goat’s
milk or soy protein. Breastfeeding is the best way of protecting the babies from developing
allergy.
The nutritional compositions of infant formulae must meet the standards of
the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and satisfy, by itself, the nutritional No infant formula products have been shown to have a significant effect
requirements of infants during the first months of life up to the introduction of in preventing healthy babies from developing allergy. If there is a family
1 member suffering from allergy, it is best to breastfeed your baby. Ask your
appropriate complementary feeding.
doctor for advice if you consider feeding your baby infant formula.

How to choose a suitable infant formula?

Q. What are the choices of infant formula
Cow’s milk-based infant formulae, often called “Stage 1 formulae”, are
suitable for the healthy babies from birth.
for infants with cow’s milk allergy?
Soy-based infant formulae can be used when the baby has galactosaemia or Consult your doctor if you worry your baby is allergic to cow's milk. For
when he cannot have formulae made from cow’s milk for cultural or religious infants who are diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy, doctors may
reasons. 3
prescribe special formula , such as extensively hydrolysed formula and
Nutritional composition of infant formulae are similar. You can make your amino acid formula. It is important to follow doctors’ instructions on
decision according to the market supply or personal choice. If needed, you choice of products.
can ask your doctor or nurse for advice. In general, switching to another Soy-based formulae or goat’s milk formulae are not suitable for babies
brand should not affect the baby’s health. with cow’s milk allergy because these babies may also be allergic to soy
Premature infants and infants with weakened immune systems are more or goat’s milk.
vulnerable to bacterial infections. Where possible, the sterile ready-to-feed
2
liquid infant formulae should be chosen.
Q. My baby passes hard stools. Is it related
to the infant formula?
Unless advised by a doctor, babies under 6 months should General speaking, it is not common for babies to have constipation in the
first six months of age. However, constipation may occur temporarily
only be given infant formula.
when they switch from breastmilk to infant formula or switch to a new
After 6 months, they can continue with infant formula. After brand of formula. Besides, babies may be constipated if the infant formula
12 months old, they can start to drink full fat cow’s milk. is not prepared correctly and less water is added. Check the instructions
on the formula package. Make sure the correct amount of water and
powdered infant formula are used in making up a feed. Always put water
into the feeding bottle first and then add the formula powder. If needed,
you can give your baby a small amount of water in between meals.

1 3
Nutritional composition of infant formula sold in Hong Kong is under the legislative regulation. It should provide nutrition label showing "Special formula" means formula for special medical purposes for infants and young children.
the energy and nutrient contents. Visit the webpage of the Centre for Food Safety for details.
2
Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Food Safety Focus (28th Issue, November 2008).
P.3 P.4

What is infant formula? Q. Is there any infant formula that reduces

Most of the infant formulae are made from cow’s milk that has been treated to
the baby’s risk of getting allergy?
make it suitable for babies. There are also infant formulae made from goat’s
milk or soy protein. Breastfeeding is the best way of protecting the babies from developing
allergy.
The nutritional compositions of infant formulae must meet the standards of
the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and satisfy, by itself, the nutritional No infant formula products have been shown to have a significant effect
requirements of infants during the first months of life up to the introduction of in preventing healthy babies from developing allergy. If there is a family
1 member suffering from allergy, it is best to breastfeed your baby. Ask your
appropriate complementary feeding.
doctor for advice if you consider feeding your baby infant formula.

How to choose a suitable infant formula?

Q. What are the choices of infant formula
Cow’s milk-based infant formulae, often called “Stage 1 formulae”, are
suitable for the healthy babies from birth.
for infants with cow’s milk allergy?
Soy-based infant formulae can be used when the baby has galactosaemia or Consult your doctor if you worry your baby is allergic to cow's milk. For
when he cannot have formulae made from cow’s milk for cultural or religious infants who are diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy, doctors may
reasons. 3
prescribe special formula , such as extensively hydrolysed formula and
Nutritional composition of infant formulae are similar. You can make your amino acid formula. It is important to follow doctors’ instructions on
decision according to the market supply or personal choice. If needed, you choice of products.
can ask your doctor or nurse for advice. In general, switching to another Soy-based formulae or goat’s milk formulae are not suitable for babies
brand should not affect the baby’s health. with cow’s milk allergy because these babies may also be allergic to soy
Premature infants and infants with weakened immune systems are more or goat’s milk.
vulnerable to bacterial infections. Where possible, the sterile ready-to-feed
2
liquid infant formulae should be chosen.
Q. My baby passes hard stools. Is it related
to the infant formula?
Unless advised by a doctor, babies under 6 months should General speaking, it is not common for babies to have constipation in the
first six months of age. However, constipation may occur temporarily
only be given infant formula.
when they switch from breastmilk to infant formula or switch to a new
After 6 months, they can continue with infant formula. After brand of formula. Besides, babies may be constipated if the infant formula
12 months old, they can start to drink full fat cow’s milk. is not prepared correctly and less water is added. Check the instructions
on the formula package. Make sure the correct amount of water and
powdered infant formula are used in making up a feed. Always put water
into the feeding bottle first and then add the formula powder. If needed,
you can give your baby a small amount of water in between meals.

1 3
Nutritional composition of infant formula sold in Hong Kong is under the legislative regulation. It should provide nutrition label showing "Special formula" means formula for special medical purposes for infants and young children.
the energy and nutrient contents. Visit the webpage of the Centre for Food Safety for details.
2
Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Food Safety Focus (28th Issue, November 2008).
P.5
5 P.6

What equipment is needed for bottle

feeding?
Q. How do I help my baby switch to another
brand of infant formula?
There is no specific rule on how to switch infant formula brands. If your
baby accepts new taste quite easily, parents can simply switch to the new
brand in one go. Alternatively, you may increase the number of feeds of
the new brand gradually.
The milk powder and water ratio differs with different brands. You should
not mix two or more brands of milk powder when preparing one feed.
On switching to another formula brand, you may notice a change in your
baby’s stool. This is usually due to a subtle difference in composition of
ingredients amongst different brands, and does not affect the baby’s Sterilising equipment (such as a Feeding bottles and teats of
health. large pot, electric or microwave appropriate size and material
steam steriliser)

T suitable
NforObabies
<Follow-on formula > under
is not suitable for babies 6 months
under 6 months
Follow-on formula (that is “Stage 2”
or “Stage 3 formula”) contains much
more protein. The excess protein
may overload the immature kidneys
of newborn babies and may lead to
dehydration, diarrhea or damage to
the brain.

Types of milk to avoid in babies Bottle brush and teat brush Tongs for picking up feeding
under one year old: bottles and teats after sterilising

■
Goats’milk ■
Soymilk
■
Evaporated milk ■
Condensed milk
■
Full fat milk or low fat milk
P.5
5 P.6

What equipment is needed for bottle

feeding?
Q. How do I help my baby switch to another
brand of infant formula?
There is no specific rule on how to switch infant formula brands. If your
baby accepts new taste quite easily, parents can simply switch to the new
brand in one go. Alternatively, you may increase the number of feeds of
the new brand gradually.
The milk powder and water ratio differs with different brands. You should
not mix two or more brands of milk powder when preparing one feed.
On switching to another formula brand, you may notice a change in your
baby’s stool. This is usually due to a subtle difference in composition of
ingredients amongst different brands, and does not affect the baby’s Sterilising equipment (such as a Feeding bottles and teats of
health. large pot, electric or microwave appropriate size and material
steam steriliser)

T suitable
NforObabies
<Follow-on formula > under
is not suitable for babies 6 months
under 6 months
Follow-on formula (that is “Stage 2”
or “Stage 3 formula”) contains much
more protein. The excess protein
may overload the immature kidneys
of newborn babies and may lead to
dehydration, diarrhea or damage to
the brain.

Types of milk to avoid in babies Bottle brush and teat brush Tongs for picking up feeding
under one year old: bottles and teats after sterilising

■
Goats’milk ■
Soymilk
■
Evaporated milk ■
Condensed milk
■
Full fat milk or low fat milk
P.7 P.8

How to choose feeding bottles and teats? How to clean, sterilise and store feeding
Choosing feeding bottles
equipment?
All feeding equipment for breastmilk or infant formula must be
Use glass bottles or plastic bottles that are bisphenol A (BPA) free.
washed thoroughly and sterilised. They include feeding bottles,
The colours of the decorations and markings on the bottles should not chip teats, bottle covers, rings, and other accessories such as tongs
off easily and should be harmless. and knives.
The bottles are clear with easy to read marking on the side.
The inner part of bottles is easily visible.
They should be easy to clean.
The bottle sizes should be appropriate.

Choosing teats
The size of the teats should be
appropriate for the age of the baby.
The shape and material of the teat
generally do not make a difference in
feeding. Latex teats are soft and
flexible. Silicone teats are more durable
and can stay in shape longer.
The hole of the teat should be in an appropriate size that the milk will drip
at a rate of about one drop per second when the bottle is tilted. If the hole
1 How to clean feeding equipment
is too small, the baby may get tired from sucking. If it is too big, the baby Before cleaning feeding equipment, wash your hands with soap and water.
may choke on the milk because the formula comes out too fast. Clean the work surface with hot soapy water.
Wash feeding bottles, teats and tongs in warm soapy water immediately
after feeding by using a clean bottle brush. Ensure that there are no
remains of milk left inside. Then rinse the equipment thoroughly in running
water.
■
Use bottles and teats which comply with the safety
standards (such as the European standard EN 14350).
Check that the bottles are bisphenol A (BPA) free.
Bacteria grow at the cracks easily. Check carefully when
■ Replace the bottles when the markings are blur. washing bottles and teats. Discard damaged ones.
■
Throw away broken or damaged bottles and teats.
P.7 P.8

How to choose feeding bottles and teats? How to clean, sterilise and store feeding
Choosing feeding bottles
equipment?
All feeding equipment for breastmilk or infant formula must be
Use glass bottles or plastic bottles that are bisphenol A (BPA) free.
washed thoroughly and sterilised. They include feeding bottles,
The colours of the decorations and markings on the bottles should not chip teats, bottle covers, rings, and other accessories such as tongs
off easily and should be harmless. and knives.
The bottles are clear with easy to read marking on the side.
The inner part of bottles is easily visible.
They should be easy to clean.
The bottle sizes should be appropriate.

Choosing teats
The size of the teats should be
appropriate for the age of the baby.
The shape and material of the teat
generally do not make a difference in
feeding. Latex teats are soft and
flexible. Silicone teats are more durable
and can stay in shape longer.
The hole of the teat should be in an appropriate size that the milk will drip
at a rate of about one drop per second when the bottle is tilted. If the hole
1 How to clean feeding equipment
is too small, the baby may get tired from sucking. If it is too big, the baby Before cleaning feeding equipment, wash your hands with soap and water.
may choke on the milk because the formula comes out too fast. Clean the work surface with hot soapy water.
Wash feeding bottles, teats and tongs in warm soapy water immediately
after feeding by using a clean bottle brush. Ensure that there are no
remains of milk left inside. Then rinse the equipment thoroughly in running
water.
■
Use bottles and teats which comply with the safety
standards (such as the European standard EN 14350).
Check that the bottles are bisphenol A (BPA) free.
Bacteria grow at the cracks easily. Check carefully when
■ Replace the bottles when the markings are blur. washing bottles and teats. Discard damaged ones.
■
Throw away broken or damaged bottles and teats.
P.9 P.10

2 Sterilising the feeding equipment 3. Using chemical sterilising solution

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sterilisation and changing the
You can choose from the following methods for sterilising the sterilising solution. For most products, change the solution every 24 hours.
feeding equipment:
Put the feeding equipment into the sterilising solution. Make sure no air
bubbles are trapped inside the bottles and teats. Place a floating cover
1. Sterilising by boiling over the equipment to keep all items in the sterilising solution.
Make sure the equipment can be boiled. Leave all items in the sterilising solution for at least 30 minutes.
Put the cleaned equipment into a
large pot. Cover all items with water and
make sure no air bubble is trapped.
A floating cover to keep all
Place the lid on the pot. Boil the items in sterilising solution.
feeding equipment for 10 minutes.
Then turn off the heat and leave the
water to cool. Place a floating cover over
Keep the pot covered until the feeding the equipment to ensure all
equipment is needed.* items are totally immersed
in the sterilising solution.
2. Steam sterilising using
electric or microwave
steriliser
Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions carefully.
Make sure that the openings of the
3 Storing the sterilised feeding equipment
bottles and teats face downwards in the
To prevent recontamination, it is best to remove the feeding equipment just
steriliser.
before it is needed.
Remove the feeding equipment only
Before removing the equipment from the steriliser, wash your hands
when you are going to prepare a feed.
thoroughly with soap and water, and then dry them with a clean towel.
If the steriliser has been opened, the (Please refer to the leaflet “Hand Hygiene --- an easy and effective way to
content requires to be sterilised again.* prevent infection”.)
* If the equipment is removed from the steriliser If the sterilised feeding bottles and other equipment are not used
before it is needed, please refer to P.10 Storing the
straightaway, remove them with sterilised tongs and put the teats and caps
sterilised feeding equipment
back to the bottles. Store everything in a cleaned and covered container.
P.9 P.10

2 Sterilising the feeding equipment 3. Using chemical sterilising solution

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sterilisation and changing the
You can choose from the following methods for sterilising the sterilising solution. For most products, change the solution every 24 hours.
feeding equipment:
Put the feeding equipment into the sterilising solution. Make sure no air
bubbles are trapped inside the bottles and teats. Place a floating cover
1. Sterilising by boiling over the equipment to keep all items in the sterilising solution.
Make sure the equipment can be boiled. Leave all items in the sterilising solution for at least 30 minutes.
Put the cleaned equipment into a
large pot. Cover all items with water and
make sure no air bubble is trapped.
A floating cover to keep all
Place the lid on the pot. Boil the items in sterilising solution.
feeding equipment for 10 minutes.
Then turn off the heat and leave the
water to cool. Place a floating cover over
Keep the pot covered until the feeding the equipment to ensure all
equipment is needed.* items are totally immersed
in the sterilising solution.
2. Steam sterilising using
electric or microwave
steriliser
Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions carefully.
Make sure that the openings of the
3 Storing the sterilised feeding equipment
bottles and teats face downwards in the
To prevent recontamination, it is best to remove the feeding equipment just
steriliser.
before it is needed.
Remove the feeding equipment only
Before removing the equipment from the steriliser, wash your hands
when you are going to prepare a feed.
thoroughly with soap and water, and then dry them with a clean towel.
If the steriliser has been opened, the (Please refer to the leaflet “Hand Hygiene --- an easy and effective way to
content requires to be sterilised again.* prevent infection”.)
* If the equipment is removed from the steriliser If the sterilised feeding bottles and other equipment are not used
before it is needed, please refer to P.10 Storing the
straightaway, remove them with sterilised tongs and put the teats and caps
sterilised feeding equipment
back to the bottles. Store everything in a cleaned and covered container.
P.11
How to prepare an infant formula feed
safely?
Follow these steps:
1. Boil the water
Boil the fresh tap water or distilled water. If you
use electric kettle, water should be boiled until
the electric supply of the kettle switches off.
2. Clean the surface for preparing
the feed and wash your hands
Clean and disinfect the surface on which you
are going to make up the infant formula feed.
Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry
them with a clean towel or tissue paper.
3. Take out the sterilised bottle
Take a sterilised bottle and shake off the water
in the bottle and the teat. If the bottle is
removed from the sterilising solution, shake off
the excess solution and rinse it with boiled
water from the kettle.
Bottled water
■
Mineral water contains high levels of salt. It should not be used
for feeding babies.
■
If bottled distilled water is used, boil it before making up infant
formula feeds.
P.12
Read the instructions on the package of the infant formula. Measure
the amount of water and milk powder accurately.
Use water no less than 70°C to make up formula feeds. Make up a
fresh bottle of formula each time your baby needs a feed. These
practices help reducing the risk of infections in your baby.
4. Fill the feeding bottle with the
correct amount of hot water
Put the correct amount of hot water into the
sterilised bottle. The water should be no
cooler than 70ºC. Usually, water will remain
at 70ºC or above within 30 minutes after
boiling.
5. Add the correct amount of
powdered infant formula
Measure the formula powder with the scoop
provided in the package or can. Fill the scoop
with formula powder loosely. Then level off
with the straight edge of a knife.
Measure one level scoop of formula powder
each time. Add the exact amount of powdered
formula to the bottle filled with water
according to the instructions on the package.
Key facts
■
Make up infant formula feeds with hot water of
temperature no less than 70ºC. This kills harmful
bacteria which may be present in the powdered
infant formula.4
4
World Health Organization in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2007. Safe preparation,
storage and handling of powdered infant formula: guidelines. World Health Organization.
P.11
How to prepare an infant formula feed
safely?
Follow these steps:
1. Boil the water
Boil the fresh tap water or distilled water. If you
use electric kettle, water should be boiled until
the electric supply of the kettle switches off.
2. Clean the surface for preparing
the feed and wash your hands
Clean and disinfect the surface on which you
are going to make up the infant formula feed.
Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry
them with a clean towel or tissue paper.
3. Take out the sterilised bottle
Take a sterilised bottle and shake off the water
in the bottle and the teat. If the bottle is
removed from the sterilising solution, shake off
the excess solution and rinse it with boiled
water from the kettle.
Bottled water
■
Mineral water contains high levels of salt. It should not be used
for feeding babies.
■
If bottled distilled water is used, boil it before making up infant
formula feeds.
P.12
Read the instructions on the package of the infant formula. Measure
the amount of water and milk powder accurately.
Use water no less than 70°C to make up formula feeds. Make up a
fresh bottle of formula each time your baby needs a feed. These
practices help reducing the risk of infections in your baby.
4. Fill the feeding bottle with the
correct amount of hot water
Put the correct amount of hot water into the
sterilised bottle. The water should be no
cooler than 70ºC. Usually, water will remain
at 70ºC or above within 30 minutes after
boiling.
5. Add the correct amount of
powdered infant formula
Measure the formula powder with the scoop
provided in the package or can. Fill the scoop
with formula powder loosely. Then level off
with the straight edge of a knife.
Measure one level scoop of formula powder
each time. Add the exact amount of powdered
formula to the bottle filled with water
according to the instructions on the package.
Key facts
■
Make up infant formula feeds with hot water of
temperature no less than 70ºC. This kills harmful
bacteria which may be present in the powdered
infant formula.4
4
World Health Organization in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2007. Safe preparation,
storage and handling of powdered infant formula: guidelines. World Health Organization.
P.13
6. Gently shake the bottle
Attach the teat, cap and other accessories to
the bottle. Shake/swirl until the powder
dissolves.
7. Cool the feed
Cool the feed to an appropriate temperature
by holding the bottle under running tap water
or placing the bottle in a container of cold
water. Ensure the cooling water is below the
cap and does not touch the teat.
8. Test the temperature
To prevent scalding of the baby’s mouth, test
the temperature of the formula feed on the
inner side of your wrist before feeding.
Repeat cooling until the feed is lukewarm.
Key facts
■
Consume the prepared formula feed within 2 hours
to reduce the risk of infection.
P.14
How to store a prepared infant formula
feed?
It is best to make up a fresh feed each time your baby needs one, and to
consume it immediately.
If you have to make up a feed in advance, cool the feed immediately after it is
prepared and store it in the fridge at temperature of 4℃ or below.
Throw away the refrigerated feeds if they are not used within 24 hours.
How to rewarm a feed?
Rewarm a refrigerated feed no more than 15 minutes. Rewarm the
feed by placing the bottle in a container of warm water. Make sure the
water level does not touch the cap or the teat. Swirl the bottle
occasionally to ensure the milk warms up evenly.
Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions if you use a bottle
warmer.
Never rewarm leftover feeds.
Key facts
■
A formula feed should be consumed within 2 hours of rewarming.
Throw it away if it is not consumed within that time.
■
Never use a microwave oven to rewarm refrigerated formula
feeds. Microwave heats the feeds unevenly. This can scald
the baby.
P.13
6. Gently shake the bottle
Attach the teat, cap and other accessories to
the bottle. Shake/swirl until the powder
dissolves.
7. Cool the feed
Cool the feed to an appropriate temperature
by holding the bottle under running tap water
or placing the bottle in a container of cold
water. Ensure the cooling water is below the
cap and does not touch the teat.
8. Test the temperature
To prevent scalding of the baby’s mouth, test
the temperature of the formula feed on the
inner side of your wrist before feeding.
Repeat cooling until the feed is lukewarm.
Key facts
■
Consume the prepared formula feed within 2 hours
to reduce the risk of infection.
P.14
How to store a prepared infant formula
feed?
It is best to make up a fresh feed each time your baby needs one, and to
consume it immediately.
If you have to make up a feed in advance, cool the feed immediately after it is
prepared and store it in the fridge at temperature of 4℃ or below.
Throw away the refrigerated feeds if they are not used within 24 hours.
How to rewarm a feed?
Rewarm a refrigerated feed no more than 15 minutes. Rewarm the
feed by placing the bottle in a container of warm water. Make sure the
water level does not touch the cap or the teat. Swirl the bottle
occasionally to ensure the milk warms up evenly.
Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions if you use a bottle
warmer.
Never rewarm leftover feeds.
Key facts
■
A formula feed should be consumed within 2 hours of rewarming.
Throw it away if it is not consumed within that time.
■
Never use a microwave oven to rewarm refrigerated formula
feeds. Microwave heats the feeds unevenly. This can scald
the baby.
P.15 P. P.16

When should I feed my baby?

Q. How can I prepare formula feed away
from home? Babies show hunger and fullness cues regardless of whether
they are breastfed or bottle fed.
If you need to feed your baby away from home, you can choose When hungry, your baby will have the behaviour of searching for a feed.
sterile ready-to-feed liquid infant formula. If you choose to make up
Feed your baby when you notice these early hunger cues:
feed with powdered infant formula away from home, pay special
attention to the procedures and ensure all feeding equipment are o Wakes up and moves
sterilised. o Licks the lips
As sterilisation needs time, parents are advised to prepare in advance o Turns his head to search with an open mouth
sterilised feeding bottles and containers. Before going out, place the
powdered infant formula in a dry container. Pour the water that has o Sucks his hand or fist
just been boiled into a vacuum flask and screw the cap tightly. This
helps keeping the temperature of water at 70℃ or above for making
up a formula feed.

Q. Is it OK to prepare the formula feed first

before we go out?

It is the safest to give your baby a freshly prepared feed every time.
Make up a fresh feed as your baby needs it. If you have to carry a Crying and fussiness are usually late hunger cues. Babies are
pre-prepared feed along, cool the feed immediately after it is made up “extremely hungry” by that time. However, a baby may cry for other
and refrigerate it at temperature of 4℃ or below. Shortly before you reasons.
leave home, put the prepared feed in a cool bag with an ice pack for
delivery. Remember the made-up formula taken out from the fridge
must be consumed within two hours. Feeding is a time for you and
your baby to bond closely. Hold
your baby skin-to-skin during
feeding. This makes him feel
calm, safe and warm.
When you are unable to feed the
baby yourself, get opportunities
to cuddle him and attend to him
in other daily routines. This also
helps your baby bond with you.
P.15 P. P.16

When should I feed my baby?

Q. How can I prepare formula feed away
from home? Babies show hunger and fullness cues regardless of whether
they are breastfed or bottle fed.
If you need to feed your baby away from home, you can choose When hungry, your baby will have the behaviour of searching for a feed.
sterile ready-to-feed liquid infant formula. If you choose to make up
Feed your baby when you notice these early hunger cues:
feed with powdered infant formula away from home, pay special
attention to the procedures and ensure all feeding equipment are o Wakes up and moves
sterilised. o Licks the lips
As sterilisation needs time, parents are advised to prepare in advance o Turns his head to search with an open mouth
sterilised feeding bottles and containers. Before going out, place the
powdered infant formula in a dry container. Pour the water that has o Sucks his hand or fist
just been boiled into a vacuum flask and screw the cap tightly. This
helps keeping the temperature of water at 70℃ or above for making
up a formula feed.

Q. Is it OK to prepare the formula feed first

before we go out?

It is the safest to give your baby a freshly prepared feed every time.
Make up a fresh feed as your baby needs it. If you have to carry a Crying and fussiness are usually late hunger cues. Babies are
pre-prepared feed along, cool the feed immediately after it is made up “extremely hungry” by that time. However, a baby may cry for other
and refrigerate it at temperature of 4℃ or below. Shortly before you reasons.
leave home, put the prepared feed in a cool bag with an ice pack for
delivery. Remember the made-up formula taken out from the fridge
must be consumed within two hours. Feeding is a time for you and
your baby to bond closely. Hold
your baby skin-to-skin during
feeding. This makes him feel
calm, safe and warm.
When you are unable to feed the
baby yourself, get opportunities
to cuddle him and attend to him
in other daily routines. This also
helps your baby bond with you.
P.17 P.18

How to feed the baby?

Relax yourself. Feeding is a special moment when you and Observe baby during feeding:
your baby can bond with each other. While you are feeding
Learn the fullness cues of your baby. Let her decide how much to
the baby, maintain eye contact and talk to her softly.
have at each feeding. Stop feeding when your baby shows signs
of being full, such as if the baby:
Feeding the baby ○　closes the mouth
1. Wash your hands before you feed the baby. Put ○　sucking slows down or stops sucking
the bib on her. Get yourself into a comfortable
○　lets go the teat
position and a seat with arm support.
○　pushes away the feeding bottle
○　arches her back and turns head away
2. Hold your baby close to you with her head and
○　relaxes the body and sleep
neck resting on your elbow. Babies are usually
more comfortable with breathing and swallowing
Observe the baby breathing and her effort
in this slightly upright posture.
in sucking. Babies need a lot of effort to
suck if the hole of the teat is too small.
Check the teat size if needed. Consult your
3. Let your baby see the feeding bottle. Gently doctor if you have doubt.
touch her lips with the teat. She will react and
open her mouth, then you place the teat inside.

4. Slightly tilt the bottle to keep the teat full of milk
during feeding, so that your baby does not
swallow too much air.
5. When your baby stops or slows her sucking,
partially move the teat out. If the baby still wants
feeding, she will draw it in again. Take a break to
Important Notes
■
Do not add or mix any food or medicines into the infant formula
to feed your baby.
■
Never prop up the bottle or leave your baby alone during a
feeding. This puts her at risk of choking and suffocation.
■
During feeding, avoid striking the bottle, or tickling her mouth
with the teat. This makes her uncomfortable.
■ Do not force your baby to drink all the formula. Throw away the

burp your baby if she releases the teat. Offer the left-over formula milk.
bottle again after burping. Stop feeding if she ■ Do not let your baby sleep with the bottle. This may cause tooth
shows fullness cues.
decay and result in poor sleeping habit.
P.17 P.18

How to feed the baby?

Relax yourself. Feeding is a special moment when you and Observe baby during feeding:
your baby can bond with each other. While you are feeding
Learn the fullness cues of your baby. Let her decide how much to
the baby, maintain eye contact and talk to her softly.
have at each feeding. Stop feeding when your baby shows signs
of being full, such as if the baby:
Feeding the baby ○　closes the mouth
1. Wash your hands before you feed the baby. Put ○　sucking slows down or stops sucking
the bib on her. Get yourself into a comfortable
○　lets go the teat
position and a seat with arm support.
○　pushes away the feeding bottle
○　arches her back and turns head away
2. Hold your baby close to you with her head and
○　relaxes the body and sleep
neck resting on your elbow. Babies are usually
more comfortable with breathing and swallowing
Observe the baby breathing and her effort
in this slightly upright posture.
in sucking. Babies need a lot of effort to
suck if the hole of the teat is too small.
Check the teat size if needed. Consult your
3. Let your baby see the feeding bottle. Gently doctor if you have doubt.
touch her lips with the teat. She will react and
open her mouth, then you place the teat inside.

4. Slightly tilt the bottle to keep the teat full of milk
during feeding, so that your baby does not
swallow too much air.
5. When your baby stops or slows her sucking,
partially move the teat out. If the baby still wants
feeding, she will draw it in again. Take a break to
Important Notes
■
Do not add or mix any food or medicines into the infant formula
to feed your baby.
■
Never prop up the bottle or leave your baby alone during a
feeding. This puts her at risk of choking and suffocation.
■
During feeding, avoid striking the bottle, or tickling her mouth
with the teat. This makes her uncomfortable.
■ Do not force your baby to drink all the formula. Throw away the

burp your baby if she releases the teat. Offer the left-over formula milk.
bottle again after burping. Stop feeding if she ■ Do not let your baby sleep with the bottle. This may cause tooth
shows fullness cues.
decay and result in poor sleeping habit.
P.19 P.20

How to burp the baby? How much milk does a baby need in
Burp your baby after feeding to expel the air he has swallowed a day?
during feeding. Babies adjust the amount of milk they take to meet their needs
for growth and development. Their appetite changes from day to
Burp your baby after feeding or when he day. Let your baby guide you when and how much he needs.
takes a short break during the feed
You can burp him in the following ways: Every baby is unique. Some babies need small frequent feedings, while some
○　Hold your baby upright on your shoulder. need to be fed less frequently but take more milk each time.
Gently pat or rub his back. On the first few days after birth, babies take only small amount of infant formula
○　Sit at a time as their stomach is quite small. They need to be fed every 2 to 3
him on your lap. Support his head
hours as they wake up. In the following few weeks, they may take around 60
and chest. Gently pat or rub his back.
to 90 ml every 3 to 4 hours. Sometimes they may need to be fed more frequently
too, so follow their feeding cues.
One to two months old babies usually settle into their own regular feeding
patterns. From the age of two to six months, some babies adjust to a regular
night and day pattern. They sleep for 5 to 6 hours at night and consume a
greater quantity when they wake up in the early morning.

What should I do if the baby spits up The amount of formula milk needed daily varies from baby to baby. Here is a
5
reference for healthy babies in the first few months ：
after feeding?
Many newborn babies spit up a little after feeding, during burping, Age Daily consumption of formula milk
or when lying down because their digestive tracts are immature.
1 month About 550 – 970 ml
The following helps decrease these spitting episodes: 2 to 5 months About 630 – 1110 ml
Feed your baby when he shows early hunger cues, such as licking the lips,
opening the mouth, or putting the hand into mouth. This helps him stay calm Babies know how much they need for their growth and body needs. Some
and swallow less air during feeding. babies may have a big appetite for a few days and eat less in the following
days. If they are playful and gaining weight well, a change in appetite should
Make sure the teat is filled with milk when feeding.
not cause a concern.
Avoid overfeeding. Stop feeding when the baby shows cues of getting full.
Do not try to make him finish the bottle. Babies’ appetite changes from day to
After feeding or burping, keep your baby in an upright position for 10 to 20 day. Follow his cues and let him decide how much he needs.
minutes. You can either hold him or sit him on your lap.
If spitting does not improve, consult your doctor.

5
Leung, S.S.F., Lui, S. & Davies, D.P. (1988). A better guideline on milk requirements for babies below 6 months. Australian Paediatric
Journal, 24, 186-190.
P.19 P.20

How to burp the baby? How much milk does a baby need in
Burp your baby after feeding to expel the air he has swallowed a day?
during feeding. Babies adjust the amount of milk they take to meet their needs
for growth and development. Their appetite changes from day to
Burp your baby after feeding or when he day. Let your baby guide you when and how much he needs.
takes a short break during the feed
You can burp him in the following ways: Every baby is unique. Some babies need small frequent feedings, while some
○　Hold your baby upright on your shoulder. need to be fed less frequently but take more milk each time.
Gently pat or rub his back. On the first few days after birth, babies take only small amount of infant formula
○　Sit at a time as their stomach is quite small. They need to be fed every 2 to 3
him on your lap. Support his head
hours as they wake up. In the following few weeks, they may take around 60
and chest. Gently pat or rub his back.
to 90 ml every 3 to 4 hours. Sometimes they may need to be fed more frequently
too, so follow their feeding cues.
One to two months old babies usually settle into their own regular feeding
patterns. From the age of two to six months, some babies adjust to a regular
night and day pattern. They sleep for 5 to 6 hours at night and consume a
greater quantity when they wake up in the early morning.

What should I do if the baby spits up The amount of formula milk needed daily varies from baby to baby. Here is a
5
reference for healthy babies in the first few months ：
after feeding?
Many newborn babies spit up a little after feeding, during burping, Age Daily consumption of formula milk
or when lying down because their digestive tracts are immature.
1 month About 550 – 970 ml
The following helps decrease these spitting episodes: 2 to 5 months About 630 – 1110 ml
Feed your baby when he shows early hunger cues, such as licking the lips,
opening the mouth, or putting the hand into mouth. This helps him stay calm Babies know how much they need for their growth and body needs. Some
and swallow less air during feeding. babies may have a big appetite for a few days and eat less in the following
days. If they are playful and gaining weight well, a change in appetite should
Make sure the teat is filled with milk when feeding.
not cause a concern.
Avoid overfeeding. Stop feeding when the baby shows cues of getting full.
Do not try to make him finish the bottle. Babies’ appetite changes from day to
After feeding or burping, keep your baby in an upright position for 10 to 20 day. Follow his cues and let him decide how much he needs.
minutes. You can either hold him or sit him on your lap.
If spitting does not improve, consult your doctor.

5
Leung, S.S.F., Lui, S. & Davies, D.P. (1988). A better guideline on milk requirements for babies below 6 months. Australian Paediatric
Journal, 24, 186-190.
P.21 P.22

Is my baby getting enough to eat?

Your baby is well fed when he has the following signs:

Wet nappies:
Have 1 to 2 wet nappies each day on the first two days after birth.
If you have any queries concerning
○

Have at least 3 wet nappies each day on the 3rd and 4th days.
bottle feeding, please consult your
○

From the 5th day onwards, have at least 5 to 6 heavy nappies

doctor or nurse.
○

(about weight of 3 tablespoons of water in each nappy) and the

urine is transparent or pale yellow.
For more health information, please visit the
Family Health Service webpage: www.fhs.gov.hk
Baby’s stools:
or call the 24-hour Information Hotline:
○ Changes from passing meconium to yellowish stool in the first 5
days. 2112 9900.
○　Texture changes from loose, pasty, to seedy gradually.

Baby’s weight:
○ In the first few days after birth, it is normal for your baby to lose a
bit of weight.
○ By the first to second week, your baby regains birth weight and
then puts on weight steadily.
○ In the first 2 months, marjority of infants gain 0.5 kg or more in
weight per month on average.
P.21 P.22

Is my baby getting enough to eat?

Your baby is well fed when he has the following signs:

Wet nappies:
Have 1 to 2 wet nappies each day on the first two days after birth.
If you have any queries concerning
○

Have at least 3 wet nappies each day on the 3rd and 4th days.
bottle feeding, please consult your
○

From the 5th day onwards, have at least 5 to 6 heavy nappies

doctor or nurse.
○

(about weight of 3 tablespoons of water in each nappy) and the

urine is transparent or pale yellow.
For more health information, please visit the
Family Health Service webpage: www.fhs.gov.hk
Baby’s stools:
or call the 24-hour Information Hotline:
○ Changes from passing meconium to yellowish stool in the first 5
days. 2112 9900.
○　Texture changes from loose, pasty, to seedy gradually.

Baby’s weight:
○ In the first few days after birth, it is normal for your baby to lose a
bit of weight.
○ By the first to second week, your baby regains birth weight and
then puts on weight steadily.
○ In the first 2 months, marjority of infants gain 0.5 kg or more in
weight per month on average.
 Key Points for Bottle Feeding
World Health Organization recommends that babies should be exclusively breastfed
in the first six months. At about six months old, babies should be given nutritious
Guide to Bottle Feeding
solid foods and continue breastfeeding up to the age of two years or above. If
parents cannot or have chosen not to breastfeed their baby, feeding the baby with How to prepare infant formula and
infant formula is the only alternative during their first few months.
feed your baby safely
Choosing the Infant Formula
o Infant formula (“Stage 1 formula”) is suitable for newborns and babies below 12
months of age.
o Follow-on formula (“Stage 2 formula”) is not suitable for infants below 6 months
of age. Switching to follow-on formula is not necessary after 6 months old.

Preparing the Infant Formula Feed

o Feeding bottles, teats and other equipment must be cleaned and sterilised.
o Measure the amount of water and powdered infant formula accurately according
to the instructions on the package when making up the feed.
o Put the water in the bottle before adding the powdered infant formula. The
temperature of water must be at 70°C or above.
o Offer freshly prepared infant formula feeds to babies. The formula feed should
be consumed within 2 hours after being prepared.

Feeding the baby

o Test the milk temperature.
o Support the baby in a slightly upright posture and hold him during feeding.
o Feed the baby according to his feeding cues. Do not force him to feed.
o Discard any left-over milk.

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Leaflet content will be updated from time to time. Please refer to the website of
Family Health Service, Department of Health, for the latest information.

FHS-N2A (Rev Dec 2019)

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